Find the derivative of F(x) = (8x^3 - 1)/(2x - 1), is this right?

  • Thread starter mustang
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In summary, the steps to divide the expression before differentiating are to first rewrite the expression as (8x^3 - 1)/ (2x - 1), then use long division to divide the numerator by the denominator, giving a result of (4x^2 - 1) + (2x-1)^-1. Finally, differentiate the result using the general rule for differentiation, taking into account the discontinuity at x=1/2.
  • #1
mustang
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Homework Statement


22. Divide the expression before differentiating.

F(x) = (8x^3 - 1)/ (2x - 1)



Homework Equations


F'(x) = An^(x-1)


The Attempt at a Solution



F(x) = [(8x^3) / (2x - 1)] - [(1)/(2x - 1)]
= [(4x^2)/(1)] - [(1) / (2x - 1)]
= (4x^2) - (2x-1)^-1

F'(x) = (8x + 1)
 
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  • #2
2. Homework Equations
F'(x) = An^(x-1)

?

And this is wrong:
F(x) = [(8x^3) / (2x - 1)] - [(1)/(2x - 1)]
= [(4x^2)/(1)] - [(1) / (2x - 1)]

And even if that was right; the derivative of (4x^2) - (2x-1)^-1
is not (8x + 1)

The general rule for differentiation these kinds of functions are: x^n = n x^(n-1) Then you have rules for inner- and outer derivatives. I suggest you do the division of F(x) again, if you don't remember how to divide polynomials, you should look it up again.
 
  • #3
try this instead: (regard this as long division, not a square root!)

2x-1 [tex]\sqrt{8x^3+0x^2+0x-1}[/tex]

And remember, whatever you get in the end, your derivative has a discontinuity at x=1/2!
 

1. How do you find the derivative of a function?

To find the derivative of a function, you must use the rules of differentiation, which involves taking the limit as the change in x approaches 0.

2. What is the formula for finding the derivative of a function?

The formula for finding the derivative of a function is f'(x) = lim (h->0) (f(x+h) - f(x))/h.

3. Can you explain the process of finding the derivative step by step?

To find the derivative of a function, you must first use algebra to simplify the function. Then, use the rules of differentiation, including the power rule, product rule, and quotient rule, to find the derivative. Finally, take the limit as the change in x approaches 0 to get the final derivative.

4. Is there a specific method for finding the derivative of a rational function?

Yes, to find the derivative of a rational function, you must use the quotient rule, which states that the derivative of (f(x)/g(x)) is (g(x)f'(x) - f(x)g'(x))/(g(x)^2).

5. How do you know if you have found the correct derivative for a function?

To check if you have found the correct derivative for a function, you can use the method of substitution. Plug in a few values for x and compare the resulting values to the original function. If they match, then you have found the correct derivative.

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